Dr. Monika Chawla acquired her MD in Obstetrics & Gynecology in 1998 and was awarded the Membership of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (MRCOG) in 2004 followed by Fellowship of the Royal College (UK) in 2016. She was awarded the Fellowship in Reproductive medicine at the Guy’s and St. Thomas Hospital in London which is also the pioneer center for Pre-Implantation Diagnosis (PGD) in the UK. She attained her Masters in Human embryology from IVI, Valencia, Spain . She also received her postgraduate award in Reproductive medicine from the Warwick University, UK after completion of her thesis on Ovarian Hyperstimulation syndrome. In March 2018, the “Distinguished physician award in the UAE” was conferred upon her by H.E. Humaid Al Qatmi, Chairman , Dubai Health Authority . This is the biggest and most prestigious healthcare honor in the region celebrating outstanding contributions in the field of medicine . She believes in holistic infertility care and provide a whole range of assisted reproductive techniques along with minimal access treatment ( laparoscopy , hysteroscopy).

She has pioneered the evolving health and fertility awareness and disease management trends in the MENA region for a substantial time period. She has contributed to the birth many healthy babies in couples with rare morbid diseases due to consanguineous marriages . She was instrumental in the birth of the first BRCA gene free baby in the UAE through preimplantation genetic testing . Dr Monikaa , apart from being skilled in all assisted reproductive techniques , has special expertise in cases such as recurrent IVF failures, repeated miscarriages, chromosomal disorders, endometriosis, polycystic ovaries and poor endometrium .

She has achieved success in these challenging cases and believes that the right knowledge and persistence pays in such cases . She has to her credit being the editor of the full text book of in vitro fertilizations called “The Art and Science of Reproductive Medicine “, published in 2017. It’s a widely read book and quoted in references worldwide . She has the privilege to be on the editorial board of the Global Reproductive health , the official journal of the International Federation of fertility Societies . She has been the course director and the faculty of the “Postgraduate course in reproductive medicine “, an academic program since 2016 which is the first of its kind in the UAE in affiliation with the Schelswig Holstein University, Germany . Her research work has been published in many international and National journals and presented papers on controversial subjects in reproductive medicine at the ASRM and ESHRE conferences .

Her recent full research paper on “ morphokinetic analysis of embryos and preimplantation genetic diagnosis “ was published in Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics in 2016 . She is a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, the British Fertility Society and the American Association of Gynecology Laparoscopists.

Her current mission is to inform and educate couples to make their own decisions and to provide unbiased fertility options and treatments. She has been active through personal communications and social media in spreading awareness in the Gulf regarding the preimplantation genetic diagnosis for single gene disorders and carrier screening. She has contributed to the birth of many healthy babies in couples with rare morbid diseases due to consanguineous marriages. She was instrumental in the birth of the first BRCA gene free baby in the UAE through preimplantation genetic testing.

During Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection method (ICSI), a single sperm is injected directly into the cytoplasm of the egg by an embryologist, having selected the sperm that are most active and healthy. It is indicated when sperm is either of low quality or quantity, when the sperms are surgically retrieved, when there has been previous failed or low fertilization with IVF (In Vitro Fertilization).Hence,  ICSI allows the use of sperm that may not otherwise have been able to fertilize an egg.  

The egg is examined for signs of fertilization as soon as 17–20 hours after ICSI. Over time, it has been found that around 80% of the eggs will be fertilized, except for couples that have severe infertility factors. 2% of all the “normal” looking sperm and eggs do not get fertilized even when the ICSI method is used. 

 Embryos are usually found in different stages and grades after being fertilized. The quality of the embryo is assessed by an embryologist, who will then provide you with the necessary information. The embryos thus formed, are transferred back to the uterus either after 2, 3 or 5 days or frozen for future use.

It is important to note that every couple is different. So it is important that proper tests are taken and that their medical history is discussed with a specialist before choosing to go for a particular method. 

HealthPlus is fully committed to ensuring that every patient’s dream of becoming a parent is achieved.

Dr Nadia Najjari is a leading expert in Reproductive Medicine and Infertility with more than 25 years of experience. She currently serves as a Consultant at HealthPlus in Abu Dhabi. Dr Najjari received her medical training in Germany and obtained a PhD magna cum laude from RWTH Aachen University. Her extensive expertise in reproductive medicine has been cultivated over 18 years through roles at renowned healthcare institutions in Germany and the UAE.

Dr Najjari’s passion for holistic patient care led her to emphasize a comprehensive approach, incorporating Yoga, Pilates, Acupuncture, and relaxation techniques into treatment plans. As the former Medical Director of a fertility clinic in Abu Dhabi, she orchestrated programs that balanced spiritual, emotional, and physical aspects, yielding exceptional outcomes.

Recognized as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Infertility/IVF and Embryology by the Department of Health (DOH) in the UAE, Dr Najjari is dedicated to educating and empowering her patients. She holds various certifications in Psychology, Yoga instruction, Acupuncture, Anti-Aging Medicine, and Pilates training. Dr Najjari also has a Certificate of Achievement in “Fundamentals – Genetics” from Harvard Medical School and an Embryology Certificate from ASRM.

Specializing in IVF segmentation, recurrent implantation failure, hormonal imbalances, and genetic disorders, Dr Najjari is a member of esteemed societies such as ESHRE, ASRM, and DGGG. Beyond medicine, she is an accomplished artist and an advocate for social causes.

Dr. Ghada has over 30 years of experience in Ob/Gyn and more than 24 years of experience in Reproductive Medicine and Infertility.

Dr. Ghada obtained her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh) with distinction of honor from Cairo University, Egypt, in 1990. She then pursuit postgraduate studies and successfully attained Master of Science in Obstetrics and Gynecology from Cairo University in 1995.

Dr Ghada then travelled to France, where she got training in Reproductive Medicine and successfully obtained many university degrees including:

1- Certificate of Advanced Specialized Training in Reproductive Biology (AFSA) at University Paris 7 in 2001,

2- University Diploma in Sterility and Reproductive Troubles (DU) at University Paris 5 in 2002,

3- Certification in Reproductive Biology  at University Paris XI in 2002,

4- Master’s Degree in Reproductive Physiology at University of Paris VI (Pierre and Marie Curie) in 2003.

Dr Ghada then travelled to the USA where she obtained American Board Certification in Embryology from the American Board of Bioanalysis in State of Missouri, USA.

Dr Ghada started her career in the UAE in 2004 at Tawam Hospital where she was the first licensed IVF doctor in the country, she then moved to work in many Fertility centers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Prior to joining HealthPlus, Dr. Ghada worked as a Fertility Specialist at Ferticlinic Fertilization Centre LLC.

Dr. Ghada’s scope of practice includes:

Management of infertile couple

• Repeated pregnancy loss
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Repeated implantation failure
• Male factor infertility
• Endometriosis
• Fertility preservation (male and female)
• Preimplantation Genetic testing
• Family balancing
• Premature ovarian failure
• Premarital fertility check up

Language(s) spoken:

Arabic, English, French

Assisted reproduction involves a set of processes by which eggs, sperm, or both are handled outside the body. There are several assisted reproduction methods that are now commonly used. They include in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Intrauterine Insemination

During an intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedure, a small catheter is used to insert sperm into the uterus. This helps to increase the number of healthy sperm that reaches the woman’s fallopian tube when she is fertile, thereby increasing the chances of fertilization. IUI has become popular because it is cheaper than in vitro fertilization and is not as invasive.

In Vitro Fertilization

The most common form of assisted reproduction treatment is in vitro fertilization (IVF). Vast majority of IVF cycles are performed with some type of ovarian stimulation. Ovarian stimulation is usually started on the second or third day of your menstrual cycle. Ovarian stimulation involves using fertility medications to cause multiple eggs to grow and at the same time prevent premature ovulation. Once the eggs (follicles) are ready for egg retrieval, you will be administered an injection to trigger ovulation. Following the final trigger, egg retrieval is performed under anesthesia. Egg retrieval is known by several names, including ovum pick up, egg pick up and egg collection. During this procedure, the physician inserts an ultrasound probe into the vagina and then uses a needle to withdraw the egg from each follicle (takes approximately 15-30 minutes) depending upon how many follicles are present. After the retrieval procedure, the eggs are combined with sperm in a laboratory dish so they will fertilize. This produces an embryo. The embryo that is produced is then placed back into her uterus on the 2nd, 3rd or the 5th day, where it implants and begins to grow. When more than one embryo is transferred, there is a possibility of having multiple births, such as twins or even more.

Many people view in vitro fertilization as the last resort for all infertility problems. But of all the assisted reproduction techniques, it has a high success rate. 

Since the introduction of assisted reproduction, it has become more likely for all couples to have a healthy pregnancy. There are methods that would suit anyone as long as their medical history is analyzed properly by their specialists. These methods also ensure that you have control over your body concerning when you want to become pregnant and the kind of spacing you want between children.

Contact HealthPlus today to make an appointment with a specialist who will attend to you and to whom you can ask all the questions that you may have.

Dr. Gomaa has over 20 years of experience in Obstetrics and Gynecology, with more than 10 years focusing on Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (REI). She earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBCh) in 1996 from Cairo University, Egypt. After completing her residency in OBGYN, she acquired a Master of Science degree in 2000 from the same institution. Dr. Gomaa also completed two clinical fellowships in Reproductive Sciences and Mature Women’s Health at Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto in Canada.

Dr. Gomaa holds several certifications including NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner (NCMP) and a membership in the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (RCOG) in the UK since 2019. She is also certified by the British Fertility Society in various areas, including fertility preservation, management of infertile couples, assisted conception, male infertility, embryo transfer / IUI, and pelvic ultrasound.

Dr. Gomaa is deeply committed to research, evident through her numerous publications and presentations. Her involvement in research projects ensures she remains updated on the latest treatment protocols, complementing her extensive diagnostic and management skills in infertility. Patients described her as empathetic, professional, and compassionate, reflecting her dedication to providing the highest quality care.

Prior to joining HealthPlus Fertility Center in Abu Dhabi, Dr. Gomaa worked at SIMS IVF Centre in Ireland and Conceptia Fertility Clinic in Canada as a Reproductive Endocrinologist and Fertility specialist.

 Dr. Gomaa’s scope of practice involves a full evaluation of couples’ fertility through laboratory and radiographic methods. She develops a comprehensive management plan including counseling, fertility medications, and IVF. Additionally, Dr. Gomaa also provides services in fertility preservation, recurrent implantation failure, and male infertility.

At HealthPus, there is an ultramodern genetics laboratory that is fully equipped to perform genetic testing on the embryos that are created using in vitro fertilization (IVF). 

Through genetic testing, a large amount of information can be acquired about an embryo before it is transferred to the uterus. After the formation of an embryo via an IVF cycle that occurs following the egg collection and ICSI, the embryo is tested by taking a few cells from it. The embryo is not transferred to the uterus until the results are released.

1. Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening (CCS): Here, all the 24 chromosomes are screened to determine the gender as well as to find out if there are any missing or additional chromosomes. Abnormalities in chromosomes are one of the major causes of miscarriage.
2. Gender Selection: This is the screening of the embryos so that the gender can be determined as well as for chromosomal abnormalities.
3. Pre-implantation Genetic Testing: The embryos can be tested for all the 24 chromosomes before they are transferred into the uterus. This is called pre-implantation genetic testing.
   • PGS (screening) – involves testing of embryos for chromosomal abnormalities.
   • PGD (diagnosis) – involves testing the embryos for a specific known genetic or hereditary disease to ensure that the child does not have it as well.
4. HLA matching: An HLA (HumanLeukocyte Antigens) matching is used to identify embryos that are HLA compatible with a child who needs bone marrow or cord blood transplant. The child (or the future sibling) of such tissue is often called  a Savior sibling. 

There are three different methods that can be used to identify hereditary diseases in an embryo. After tests and counselling, a method of testing will be settled on. Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is usually recommended during the IVF cycle if a genetic mutation is found so that the disease is not transferred.

• Mutation screening is used to detect mutations present in small genes or genetic diseases that can only be caused by a small number of mutations.

• Exome Screening is used to check for hereditary diseases that have yet to be identified or for diseases that involve the interaction of two or more genes. Exome Screening has the capacity to analyze tens of thousands of genes at a time.

Blood tests can also be carried out to ensure that there is very little chances of children having the same hereditary diseases as the parents. A common example is the Premarital or Preconception Screening that is done for couples that have a known hereditary disease in their family history and want to be sure that there is no possibility of their children inheriting such a disease.

Dr. Kaul joined the HealthPlus Fertility medical team in January 2024, bringing with him a wealth of expertise in the field of urology. He embarked on his medical journey by obtaining his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from University College London, United Kingdom in 2008.

Subsequently, he completed his residency training at Health Education England, United Kingdom where he honed his skills across various prestigious London hospitals from 2014 to 2019. During his specialty training at University College London in 2018, Dr. Kaul embarked on a sub-specialist training in andrology, examining the intricate realms of medicine and surgery related to the male reproductive tract Before joining Healthpoint Dr. Kaul played a pivotal role as
the leader of the specialist andrology service for the entire East of England region while continuing a general urology practice at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where he served as a Consultant Urologist and Andrologist from September 2020 to 2023.

Dr. Kaul brings extensive expertise to the management of urinary tract stone disease and general urological issues, including male and female lower urinary tract symptoms, blood in the urine, and prostate cancer diagnosis. His professional concentration spans a diverse range of penile surgeries, encompassing procedures such as circumcision and vasectomy reversal to intricate reconstructions involving skin grafting and penile implant surgeries. Particularly noteworthy is his specialization in correcting penile curvature, a testament to his dedication to providing comprehensive patient care.

Dr. Rozh Jalil is a highly esteemed Consultant Urological Surgeon and Andrologist, with 13 years of experience in various areas of urology, including general urology and stone disease, men’s health, male fertility, minimally invasive procedures of the prostate, and microsurgery.

To further enhance his knowledge and skills, Dr. Jalil obtained a Doctorate in Medicine (MD(Res)) from Imperial College London, UK, in 2014. He also holds a postgraduate diploma in Health and Medical Education from the University of Hertfordshire, UK. Dr. Jalil’s contributions to the medical community extend beyond clinical practice, as he has published numerous articles and made significant contributions to international medical journals and books.

Dr. Jalil excels in several areas within urology, including andrology, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), stone disease, prostatic disease and lower urinary tract symptoms, and urinary tract infections. He is skilled in utilizing cutting-edge technologies to provide the best possible treatment options for his patients. Dr. Jalil’s extensive expertise, dedication to patient care, and commitment to advancing the field of urology make him a highly respected and sought-after Consultant Urological Surgeon and Andrologist.

Prior to joining HealthPlus Fertility in Abu Dhabi, Dr. Rozh held the position of Consultant Urologist and Andrologist at King’s College Hospital Foundation NHS Trust in the United Kingdom, where he also led the male fertility department.